By Teresa Huff
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The podcast currently has 146 episodes available.
Connect with Teresa Huff:
Website: www.teresahuff.com
Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing
Take the Quiz: https://teresahuff.com/share-quiz/
Social:
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Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:
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In this episode, I'm doing something a little different. I was recently invited to be a podcast guest on the Marketer of the Day podcast by Robert Plank and I was happy to do that. It was such a fun conversation. He asked such really good questions that I thought, why not share it here with you as well! We talk about grant writing, nonprofit strategies, and making a lasting impact in communities through grant opportunities. We also address how important it is to build solid relationships with grantmakers to achieve success. I think you're going to love this episode!
On this episode:
Introduction Flipping the Script Diving Deep into Grant Writing The Art of Grant Writing: Making an Impact Success Stories and Strategies in Nonprofit Funding The Process and Strategy Behind Effective Grant Writing Expanding Your Grant Writing Skills and Network Final Thoughts and How to ConnectConnect with Teresa Huff:
Website: www.teresahuff.com
Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing
Take the Quiz: https://teresahuff.com/share-quiz/
Social:
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12544635/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/huffteresa/
https://www.instagram.com/grantwritingsimplified/
https://www.pinterest.com/grantwritingsimplified/
https://youtube.com/@grantwritingsimplified
Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:
www.teresahuff.com/vip
Connect with Teresa Huff:
Website: www.teresahuff.com
Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing
Take the Quiz: https://teresahuff.com/share-quiz/
Social:
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12544635/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/huffteresa/
https://www.instagram.com/grantwritingsimplified/
https://www.pinterest.com/grantwritingsimplified/
https://youtube.com/@grantwritingsimplified
Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:
www.teresahuff.com/vip
Book a 1:1 strategy call with Teresa Huff: www.teresahuff.com/mentor
The Crucial Role of Data in Non-profit Grant Funding
In this episode, I'm diving deep into why data collection and tracking are absolute game-changers for non-profit organizations, especially when it comes to snagging those crucial grant funds. I'm all about getting the full picture, which means not just crunching numbers but also capturing those heartwarming stories that truly showcase our impact.
I'll walk you through a handy five-question guide to evaluate your current data practices, because let's face it, we can always level up.
From day one, I'm all about data – using it to back up our relevance, measure our progress, and guide our decisions at every turn. We'll also chat about how to navigate those pesky constraints in data collection and even how to weave stories seamlessly into our data narrative. Plus, we'll explore techniques for tracking trends and spotting behavior change.
Stick around as we cover data-driven goodness from start to finish!
00:00 Introduction and Webinar Recap
00:48 The Importance of Data in Grant Applications
01:41 The Role of Data in Nonprofit Operations
02:01 When and How to Start Collecting Data
02:57 The ROI Framework and Data
04:01 Understanding Internal and External Data
04:26 Quantitative vs Qualitative Data
05:51 Challenges in Data Collection and Creative Solutions
08:24 Using Data to Inform Programs and Engage Stakeholders
08:42 Five Questions to Evaluate Your Data Collection
Challenge Question:
Is your data reflecting a realistic picture of your impact? If not, do you need to adjust?
Read the full show notes: www.teresahuff.com/149
Connect with Teresa Huff:
Website: www.teresahuff.com
Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing
Take the Quiz: https://teresahuff.com/share-quiz/
Social:
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12544635/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/huffteresa/
https://www.instagram.com/grantwritingsimplified/
https://www.pinterest.com/grantwritingsimplified/
https://youtube.com/@grantwritingsimplified
Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:
www.teresahuff.com/vip
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
As we dive into the hustle of year-end activities, the race to finish strong is on for nonprofit leaders, grant writers, and consultants. In this busy season, we need to recognize that finishing well may mean finishing with rest and recovery.
Let's take a cue from coaches and explore the strategic use of timeouts to navigate the challenges and finish the year on a high note.
Acknowledge the Chaos: Embrace the Timeout
The year-end rush can often feel like a relentless marathon. Acknowledge the chaos, and don't be afraid to embrace a timeout. Recognizing the need for a breather is not a sign of weakness, but rather a strategic move to ensure your team sustains momentum. This is even true if you’re a team of one.
Team Focus: Pay Attention to Needs
Whether you're leading a team or flying solo, pay close attention to the needs of those around you. A timeout isn't just for your benefit; it's an opportunity to assess the collective energy and well-being of your team. Understanding their needs ensures you're all on the same page and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
Timeout Lessons from Coaches
To top off the busy holiday season, many people are involved in sports as well. We can borrow a lesson from coaches and the 5 common reasons they call a timeout during the game:
Sometimes, a timeout is more than just a break. It's a chance to regroup, refocus, and deliver a pep talk that motivates your team for the challenges that lie ahead.
Timeout Wisdom: Not Giving Up, but Leveling Up
Calling a timeout isn't the equivalent of throwing in the towel. On the contrary, it's a smart and strategic move.
As the year draws to a close, remember that effective leadership involves knowing when to push forward and when to pause. So, take that timeout, recharge, and set the stage for a successful finish to the year.
To read today's full episode: The Power of Pause: 5 Reasons to Call Timeout in Your Nonprofit
To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing.
Challenge Question:
Do you need to call a timeout?
Connect with Teresa Huff:
Website: www.teresahuff.com
Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing
Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?
Social:
Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:
www.teresahuff.com/vip
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Celebrating Three Years of Grant Writing Simplified
It’s been three years since I launched the Grant Writing Simplified Podcast, and it’s been an amazing journey. The show has over 100,000 downloads from over 140 countries across six continents. I’ve made friends all over the world and we’ve come together as a community. I’m incredibly grateful for my team’s hard work and dedication in making the show possible.
Shifting the Conversations Around Nonprofit Work
In the world of grants, we need to think beyond just the money. If you've listened to my TEDx talk, we need to focus on the Return on Impact (ROI). Funders need to know they will get a return for investing in your nonprofit.
To build a successful ROI, nonprofits need to be Relevant, Optimized, and Interact authentically. Once we lock all three of those in, that's when we can really make progress and we can get results around our impact. It's important that we are helping people understand that. Nonprofits play an important role in educating the world about their mission. Grants aren’t a quick fix; nonprofit work is a long game.
There's an urgency now more than ever to support nonprofits, to shift some things in the sector, to change the conversations around nonprofit work. I can't do it myself. But I can help give you the tools, the ideas, the verbiage and help you become more comfortable with the conversations. I talked to a lot of nonprofit leaders, grant writers, and consultants. There's a need to shift the conversation about how we support nonprofits, how we support funding, how we show up.
I get a lot of questions about grants from nonprofits who have heard, “Oh, you should get grant funding. There are grants out there that'll fix everything.” Ouch! There seems to be this mindset that grants are the easy answer, when in reality that's getting a little bit ahead of themselves if they don't have the other pieces in place. Many nonprofits still have some work to do in this area. I know that's hard to hear a little bit of tough love, but some time invested in the right things can really pay off down the road.
Grants aren't a quick fix; they're not quick money. They're not an overnight way to fund your nonprofit. They're a really small part of a much bigger fundraising plan, and you need those pieces in place. Grants are more of a long-term seed planting and cultivating to build those relationships over time to build out your strategy effectively.
An old proverb says, “Be not afraid of growing slowly; be only afraid of standing still. Growing slowly produces deep roots.” That's true in this context as well. With nonprofit work and with grants, it does take time just like planting seeds. You can't be digging them up and checking them every day to see if the seeds are growing. You have to tend and cultivate and water and let the seeds do their work. Same with grants and nonprofits, We have to cultivate and care for them and provide the right environment and the right conditions.
Booking a Mentor-On-Call Strategy Call
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with trying to help your nonprofit apply for grants, then a Mentor On Call Strategy Call may be a helpful next step. You can book a one on one Zoom call with me to get feedback on any questions you may have and access to an expert. You’ll get clear action steps to keep moving forward and new strategies to level up.
Holiday Zoom Party
To celebrate the holidays, I’m hosting a Holiday Zoom Party! This is a chance to hang out on Zoom, ask mentor questions, share stories about grants, and celebrate the holidays together. Be sure to sign up for my email list or message me on LinkedIn to get an invitation to the Zoom Party.
To read today's full episode: Celebrating Three Years of Grant Writing Simplified
To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing.
Challenge Question:
What do you need to have in place before you start looking for grants? Join us for the Holiday Zoom Party and let’s chat about it!
Connect with Teresa Huff:
Website: www.teresahuff.com
Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing
Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?
Social:
Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:
www.teresahuff.com/vip
Interested in hopping on a small group call with me? Sign up at www.teresahuff.com/help and I’ll keep you in the loop!
Unlocking Grant Funding: Moving Beyond Ideas and Building Impactful Programs
As summer winds down, I’m seeing renewed energy in the world of fundraising and grants. With this transition, a common question is echoing through conversations—both in my inbox and across online forums. It goes something like this, "I've got an amazing idea. Can I get a grant to fund it?” Or others ask, “Why aren't funders supporting my groundbreaking idea?"
Let’s dig into this topic and shed light on why grantmakers seek more than just brilliant ideas. We’ll explore the art of turning ideas into impactful programs, a journey that requires Relevance, Optimization, and Interaction.
The Power of Moving Beyond Ideas
Remembering my TEDx talk and our recent episodes, you might remember the three pillars of building your ROI: Relevant, Optimize, and Interact. These pillars pave the way for a tangible Return on Impact. Ideas, while important sparks, are only the beginning. The question is: Is your idea Relevant, is it Optimized for action, and are you actively Interacting with others in authentic ways to gather their input?
Ideas: The Starting Point
Ideas are like stars in the sky—plentiful and enchanting. We all have them, and they're often fleeting. Just as you might contemplate getting ice cream after dinner, ideas come and go. But securing grant funding requires more than fleeting notions. It necessitates a solid, active program in motion.
From Ideas to Relevance: The Story of Dooshima
Let's rewind a bit to a strategy call I had with Dooshima. She had an incredible idea—a passion born from personal experience, a desire to transform maternal healthcare in rural communities. However, she faced the challenge of translating that passion into a program that grantmakers could champion. The story resonates because countless people are brimming with such stories of need and possibility.
Listen to the episode to hear Dooshima's question and my advice to her.
Elevating Your Impact with Strategy Calls
Don't stress if you're at the idea stage—that’s an exciting beginning. All good programs start with ideas. If you're seeking direction, strategy calls can be your guiding light. In these sessions we’ll map out a clear roadmap, transforming your ideas into actionable steps. Whether you're starting from scratch or amplifying an existing program, strategy calls provide the momentum you need to make a real difference.
Embrace Change and Spark Transformation
As you navigate the world of grants and funding, remember that your idea is just the start. Embrace the journey of turning that idea into a program that's rooted in Relevance, Optimized for success, and backed by meaningful Interactions. Grant funding isn't just about receiving financial support—it's about igniting change, improving lives, and leaving a lasting impact. So, let's roll up our sleeves, build those impactful programs, and together, let's change the world for the better.
To read today's full episode: From Ideas to Impact: Unveiling the Key to Successful Grant Funding
To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing.
Challenge Question:
What’s one idea where you need to take action? Let me know and we’ll brainstorm together! And if you need extra support, book a call at www.teresahuff.com/mentor.
Resources:
Connect with Teresa Huff:
Website: www.teresahuff.com
Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing
Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?
Social:
Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:
www.teresahuff.com/vip
Interested in hopping on a small group call with me? Sign up at www.teresahuff.com/help and I’ll keep you in the loop!
We Constantly Talk About Learning. But What About Unlearning?
We all know lifelong learning matters. I'm constantly encouraging you to pick up new skills, strategies, and ways of thinking to stay sharp and relevant. But here's the thing—sometimes we need to let go of the old to make room for the new. As crucial as learning is, unlearning may be just as vital to our growth and ability to adapt.
When We're Stuck, It's Often Because We Need to Unlearn
I was thinking about this the other day and realized that when we try implementing new things but just can't move forward, it could be because we need to unlearn outdated habits or mindsets blocking our progress. If we want to reach the next level personally or professionally, we likely need to release our white-knuckled grip on the status quo. Because here's the hard truth: what got you here won't necessarily get you there. And what got you here will also keep you here.
Pursuing Innovation May Require Unlearning
For example, as you learn exciting new tools and strategies (like AI!), approach them with openness to unlearn any preconceived notions or processes that may close you off to new breakthroughs or ways of working. Don't let fear of the unknown prevent you from trying something new.
Signs You May Need to Unlearn Something:
Why Unlearning Matters
The bottom line? Lifelong learning matters—and lifelong unlearning does too. Progress requires releasing comfortable but constraining ways of thinking and doing to create space for the new. Reexamine your assumptions, habits, and beliefs through curiosity, not defensiveness.
Unlearning Propels You Forward
Unlearning isn't easy, but it can propel you forward. By letting go, you make room for progress to grow. I believe in you, my friends!
To read today's full episode: The Art of Letting Go: Why Unlearning is as Important as Learning
To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing.
Challenge Questions:
I’d love to hear about your work, so shoot me an email and let’s chat!
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Teresa Huff:
Website: www.teresahuff.com
Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing
Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?
Social:
Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:
www.teresahuff.com/vip
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Revisiting the ROI Journey
It's time for a heart-to-heart about a topic that's close to all our missions: authentic interactions in this tech-savvy world. So grab your favorite cup of inspiration, settle in, and let's dive into the final chapter of our ROI journey – the all-important art of Interacting.
Remember when we kicked off this ROI conversation? In nonprofit work, grantmakers are looking for a Return on Impact. We broke down the pillars of my ROI Framework: Relevance, Optimize, and Interact. We chatted about being Relevant in Episode 135, and the importance of Optimizing in Episode 136. Now we’re going to come back to discussInteract, the juiciest slice of the ROI pie.
The Human Touch in the Age of AI
While we’re on the subject of Interacting, let's address the elephant in the digital room – AI. Yes, it's impressive, and it's changing the game. But guess what? It won't replace the magic that happens between humans. Amidst the buzz, never forget that there's a flesh-and-blood person on the other end of every click, every tap, every email.
So, you might wonder, how do we use AI without losing our humanity? Great question! We use it to optimize, to fine-tune our approach, but not to replace the essence of what makes us connect – genuine, heart-to-heart communication. Whether it's a grant application, an email, or a good old-fashioned phone call, we're speaking to people, not bank accounts.
Remember Adam Witty's golden words, "Business moves at the speed of trust." Well, guess what? That's our rhythm too! In the nonprofit world, trust is the currency that fuels our impact. Trust is what propels us forward even before the race begins.
We’ve had some great conversations about this already. In Episode 105, Kevin Fitzpatrick shared how meeting donors face-to-face is more than just dollars and cents – it's about human connection. In Episode 133, Sherry Quam Taylor urged us to be curious, to ask questions that uncover stories and passions. She challenged us to ask questions like, “How did you become so generous?” and then listen.
And then there's Derik Timmerman's challenge from Episode 143 – have coffee with 90 people in 90 days. Can you imagine the support network of relationships we can grow in that time?
Let's talk to those grantmakers, those nonprofits, those potential partners. Let's dive deep, listen closely, and build bridges that carry our impact far beyond ourselves.
Return on Impact isn't just about numbers; it's about the ripples of change we create, the lives we touch, and the legacy we weave.
To read today's full episode: Humanity in the Age of AI: Navigating Authentic Connections for Lasting Impact To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing.
Challenge Question:
How will you build your Interactions this week? I’d love to hear about your work, so shoot me an email and let’s chat!
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Teresa Huff:
Website: www.teresahuff.com
Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing
Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?
Social:
Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:
www.teresahuff.com/vip
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
The Truth About Grant Readiness
If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you know I’m a big advocate for grant readiness, because the more prepared you are before you start, the better chance you have of winning a grant. But I’m also a big believer in taking action. The truth is, grant readiness is a lot like parenting. You need a certain amount of stability, but you’re never really 100% ready. At some point, you have to just start and then learn as you go.
My friend Derik Timmerman founded Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions to help nonprofits succeed in their fundraising. In this episode of Grant Writing Simplified, Derik tells the story of how Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions started when he realized he had to get a little rowdy, and how you can energize your board members while you get the critical grant readiness pieces in place.
Balancing Heart, Grit, and Brains
Most nonprofits are full of passion for their cause and determination to stick with it, but they struggle with the business mindset in one of two ways. Either they lack the business knowledge needed to run a nonprofit, or they don’t realize the impact they can have when they think outside the box.
It takes more than heart and grit to run a nonprofit. It requires a combination and a balance of heart, grit, and brains to see the mission truly take off. You need all three in tandem.
Derik explains further about the importance of business elements in nonprofits and the core elements of grant readiness. Your nonprofit needs just four elements in place before you can win grants through EasyGrant.
If you can’t answer these four questions, Derik can help through a board retreat called BoardSpark. BoardSpark is especially helpful for languishing boards, if the board is in a transition, or if it’s been a long time since the board evaluated the organizational mission, vision, values, and key habits. Derik has seen many struggling nonprofit board members leave re-energized in their work.
While passion and persistence are necessary ingredients for impact in the nonprofit world, we need to mix them with equal parts business acumen and daring creativity. Consider how you can take your next step today.
To read today's full episode: Formula for Nonprofit Success: Balancing Heart, Grit, and Brains To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing.
Challenge Question: When you consider your nonprofit, do you know why you exist, what is a win, who are you when you are winning, and how do you win? I’d love to hear about your organization, so shoot me an email!
Meet Derik Timmerman Derik Timmerman is the Founder of Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions, a nationwide consulting firm helping nonprofits maximize their world-changing impact. In addition to coaching nonprofit professionals at all levels, Derik is a nationally-recognized speaker and author on a variety of nonprofit subjects including fundraising, grant research/writing, and board development.
Prior to founding Sparrow, Derik was a management consultant at McKinsey & Company and a US Army Intelligence Officer with two combat deployments to Iraq. Derik earned a Bachelor's in Computer Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point, as well as a Masters, PhD, and CFRE certification in fundraising. Derik has a passion for chocolate chip cookies, burning them off on nearby hiking trails with his three boys, and living out his life's core purpose of building factories of hope.
Connect with Derik Timmerman:
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Teresa Huff:
Website: www.teresahuff.com
Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing
Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?
Social:
Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:
www.teresahuff.com/vip
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